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Intermediate Basic knowledge of Android Development

Android Architecture/Multimedia Framework

Explore Android's architecture and multimedia frameworks—from system layers and the Linux kernel to media playback, capture, optimization, and advanced multimedia techniques.

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4 Modules 1 Week · 10 Hours/Week 12 Assignments Intermediate English · 9 languages available
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THE ANDROID STACK Applications Module 1 Application framework & system services Module 1 Libraries & media frameworks · Android Runtime Modules 2–3 Hardware abstraction layer Module 3 Linux kernel Module 1

Android Architecture/Multimedia Framework

By Board Infinity · Offered on Coursera

  • 4 modules · 34 video lessons · 12 assignments
  • Intermediate · basic knowledge of Android Development
  • Shareable certificate · add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • Flexible schedule · learn at your own pace
Enroll on Coursera

Architecture, not just APIs

Layers and components, the Linux kernel, Android Runtime and system services

Media, end to end

Playback and capture - MediaPlayer, ExoPlayer, Camera2 and MediaRecorder

Graded, then certified

12 assignments across the four modules, then a shareable certificate

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01 About the course

The stack underneath the app, and the media stack inside it.

An intermediate course on how Android is put together - and on the multimedia frameworks that sit on top of it.

4
Modules
Architecture to optimization
34
Video lessons
Across the four modules
12
Assignments
Practice and graded quizzes
1 wk
At 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule, self-paced

Android Architecture/Multimedia Framework is an in-depth exploration of Android's architectural components and its multimedia frameworks. It starts with the operating system itself - the layers and components of Android, the role of the Linux kernel, Android Runtime and the libraries - and then works up through the application framework, application architecture and the key system services the application layer talks to.

From there the course moves into media. You cover media playback and capture, multimedia data processing, MediaPlayer and ExoPlayer, synchronising audio and video, and customising playback with MediaSession - then advanced capture with the Camera2 API and MediaRecorder, media effects, transcoding and editing, and rich media notifications.

The final module is about making all of it hold up: efficient playback and battery conservation, adaptive streaming and content delivery, media formats and codecs, debugging multimedia applications, Android's Neural Networks API and where the framework is heading next.

02 Who it's for

For developers who want to know what is happening underneath.

This is an intermediate course. The recommended experience is basic knowledge of Android Development - prior Android-development knowledge can be beneficial, and basic programming concepts would be helpful.

Software developers

You build on Android already

You ship features against the SDK. This is the layer below: how the kernel, runtime, libraries and framework fit together, and where your code actually sits.

Mobile app enthusiasts

Curious about the media stack

Playback, capture, codecs and effects - how Android records, plays, transcodes and streams, and which API is the right one for each job.

Tech professionals

Interested in Android's inner workings

You work near Android without writing it every day. The architecture modules give you the vocabulary and the map of the system.

Android learners

Passionate about Android development

You have the basics and want depth rather than another tour of the SDK. Recommended experience: basic knowledge of Android Development.

03 What you'll learn

Four outcomes, in the order the course builds them.

These are the outcomes Coursera lists for this course, mapped to the modules that deliver them.

Module 1

Android architecture, layer by layer

Delve into Android's intricate architecture, understanding its layers, components, and the pivotal role of the Linux kernel.

Module 2

Master the multimedia frameworks

Master Android's multimedia frameworks, from media playback and capture to advanced audio and video techniques for captivating user experiences.

Module 3

Capture and customise rich media

Harness the power of the Camera2 API, MediaRecorder, and advanced multimedia customization techniques to create rich media applications.

Module 4

Optimise, debug and look ahead

Optimize multimedia applications for performance, battery efficiency, and explore the latest trends and future possibilities in Android multimedia.

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The stack, drawn out

Kernel, runtime, libraries and framework - mapped against the app you actually work on.

Camera2 and MediaRecorder, reviewed

Your capture and playback code read line by line, not just run.

Performance, in your app

Battery, buffering and adaptive streaming looked at against your own traces.

Aim it at a direction

Which Android path fits you - platform, media engineering or performance - and what to learn next.

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04 Syllabus

Four modules, from the kernel to the camera.

Every lesson, reading and assignment in the course, exactly as Coursera lists it. Four modules of about 3 hours each; the course metadata is 1 week at 10 hours a week, fully self-paced.

34 videos 10 readings 12 assignments 1 plugin Download Syllabus
10 videos 3 readings 3 assignments 1 plugin
Learning objectives - by the end of this module you can:
  • Describe the Android operating system as a set of layers and components
  • Explain the role of the Linux kernel, Android Runtime (ART) and the platform libraries
  • Identify the Android framework components and how an application is architected on top of them
  • Name the key system services and describe how the application layer interacts with them
Videos 10 videos · 27 min
01Introduction to the Course1 minute
02Meet Your Instructor1 minute
03What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
04Introduction to Android OS: Layers and Components3 minutes
05Role of Linux Kernel in Android2 minutes
06Understanding Android Runtime (ART) and Libraries4 minutes
07What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
08Introduction to Android Framework Components3 minutes
09Deep Dive into Android Application Architecture5 minutes
10Key System Services and Interaction with Application Layer6 minutes
Readings 3 readings · 70 min
01Learn More About Fundamentals of Android Architecture30 minutes
02Learn More About Android Framework and Application Layer30 minutes
03Tell us what you think!10 minutes
Assignments 3 assignments · 90 min
01Practice Quiz - Fundamentals of Android Architecture15 minutes
02Practice Quiz - Android Framework and Application Layer15 minutes
03Graded Quiz - Android Architecture Overview60 minutes
Plugin 1 plugin · 5 min
01Quick Course Check-In5 minutes
Topics covered
Android OS layers & components Linux kernel Android Runtime (ART) Libraries Android framework components Application architecture Key system services
You leave with: a working map of the Android stack - kernel, runtime, libraries, framework and system services - and where an application sits in it.
9 videos 2 readings 3 assignments
Learning objectives - by the end of this module you can:
  • Describe Android's multimedia capabilities and how media data is processed
  • Distinguish media playback from media capture and pick the right framework for each
  • Work with Android's MediaPlayer and with ExoPlayer
  • Synchronise audio and video playback and customise playback using MediaSession
Videos 9 videos · 41 min
01What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
02Introduction to Android Multimedia Capabilities4 minutes
03Understanding Media Playback and Capture3 minutes
04Multimedia Data Processing in Android10 minutes
05What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
06Android's MediaPlayer10 minutes
07Android's ExoPlayer4 minutes
08Synchronizing Audio and Video Playback5 minutes
09Customizing Playback Using MediaSession3 minutes
Readings 2 readings · 60 min
01Learn More About Android Multimedia Ecosystem30 minutes
02Learn More About Audio and Video Playback30 minutes
Assignments 3 assignments · 90 min
01Practice Quiz - Android Multimedia Ecosystem15 minutes
02Practice Quiz - Audio and Video Playback15 minutes
03Graded Quiz - Android Multimedia Framework60 minutes
Topics covered
Android multimedia capabilities Media playback & capture Multimedia data processing MediaPlayer ExoPlayer Audio/video synchronization MediaSession
You leave with: a working understanding of Android playback - MediaPlayer, ExoPlayer, audio/video synchronisation and MediaSession customisation.
7 videos 2 readings 3 assignments
Learning objectives - by the end of this module you can:
  • Use the Camera2 API for advanced photography on Android
  • Record and customise video with MediaRecorder
  • Apply media effects and carry out media transcoding and editing
  • Build rich media notifications in Android
Videos 7 videos · 34 min
01What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
02Exploring Camera2 API for Advanced Photography10 minutes
03Video Recording and Customization with MediaRecorder6 minutes
04What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
05Introduction to Media Effects4 minutes
06Media Transcoding and Editing9 minutes
07Rich Media Notifications in Android3 minutes
Readings 2 readings · 60 min
01Learn More About Camera2 API and Media Recorder30 minutes
02Learn More About Enhancing Multimedia Experiences30 minutes
Assignments 3 assignments · 90 min
01Practice Quiz - Camera2 API and Media Recorder15 minutes
02Practice Quiz - Enhancing Multimedia Experiences15 minutes
03Graded Quiz - Multimedia Capture and Customization60 minutes
Topics covered
Camera2 API MediaRecorder Video recording & customization Media effects Media transcoding Media editing Rich media notifications
You leave with: the capture side of the stack - Camera2 for advanced photography, MediaRecorder for video, plus effects, transcoding, editing and rich media notifications.
8 videos 3 readings 3 assignments
Learning objectives - by the end of this module you can:
  • Make media playback efficient and conserve battery while doing it
  • Apply adaptive streaming and content delivery optimization, and handle media formats and codecs
  • Debug multimedia applications on Android
  • Explain Android's Neural Networks API for multimedia and the framework's future trends
Videos 8 videos · 21 min
01What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
02Efficient Media Playback and Battery Conservation3 minutes
03Adaptive Streaming and Content Delivery Optimization4 minutes
04Handling Various Media Formats and Codecs3 minutes
05What you will learn in this lesson1 minute
06Debugging Multimedia Applications3 minutes
07Exploring Android's Neural Networks API for Multimedia4 minutes
08Future Trends in Android Multimedia Framework2 minutes
Readings 3 readings · 70 min
01Learn More About Multimedia Optimization Techniques30 minutes
02Learn More About Debugging and Future Trends30 minutes
03Provide your feedback!10 minutes
Assignments 3 assignments · 90 min
01Practice Quiz - Multimedia Optimization Techniques15 minutes
02Practice Quiz - Debugging and Future Trends15 minutes
03Graded Quiz - Optimization and Advanced Topics60 minutes
Topics covered
Efficient media playback Battery conservation Adaptive streaming Content delivery optimization Media formats & codecs Debugging Android Neural Networks API Future trends
You leave with: the optimization layer - battery-aware playback, adaptive streaming, codec handling and debugging - plus where the framework is going next.

Module durations, lesson titles and assignment names are as published on the Coursera course page, and may be updated there by the instructor.

05 Tools & skills

The layers you work in, and the skills you leave with.

The tools and skills Coursera lists for this course, grouped the way the material splits.

Kernel layer

Linux

The kernel Android is built on. Module 1 covers its role in the stack - drivers, processes and the foundation the runtime sits on.

System layer

Middleware

The libraries and services between the kernel and your app - including the media frameworks that modules 2 and 3 are built around.

App layer

Application Frameworks

Framework components, application architecture and the system services the application layer talks to - the core of module 1.

Platform

Android (Operating System)

The subject of the course end to end: its layers, runtime, framework, media stack and the optimization work in module 4.

Skills you leave with

The six skills Coursera lists for this course, grouped by the part of the stack they belong to.

Android & mobile

Building on the platform itself.

  • Android Development
  • Mobile Development

Architecture & performance

How the system is put together, and how it holds up.

  • Software Architecture
  • Performance Tuning

Media & quality

What the multimedia modules leave you able to do.

  • Live Streaming
  • Image Quality
Certificate

A shareable certificate you can add to LinkedIn.

Complete the graded work and you earn a shareable certificate through Coursera, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile in one click.

Issued on completion of the graded assignments across the four modules. Enrollment, grading and certification all happen on Coursera.

Add it to your profile

It goes under Licenses & Certifications on LinkedIn, where recruiters look.

Shareable, and verifiable

Share the certificate link with anyone who asks to see it.

Earned on graded work

Twelve assignments across the four modules, including a graded quiz per module.

Two names on it

Board Infinity as the provider, Coursera as the platform it is hosted on.

06 Career impact

Where architecture and media knowledge actually gets used.

These are realistic applications of what the course covers. They are areas the skills apply to - not job offers, salary outcomes or placements.

Where these skills apply

Android development

Working with a clearer picture of the layers your code runs on - the kernel, the runtime, the libraries and the framework components underneath the SDK.

Android architecture work

Reasoning about application architecture and the system services it depends on, rather than treating the platform as a black box.

Multimedia application development

Building features around capture and playback: Camera2, MediaRecorder, media effects, transcoding, editing and rich media notifications.

Media playback systems

Choosing between MediaPlayer and ExoPlayer, synchronising audio and video, and customising playback behaviour with MediaSession.

Streaming and media delivery

Adaptive streaming, content delivery optimization, and handling the range of media formats and codecs Android supports.

Android performance optimization

Efficient media playback, battery conservation and debugging multimedia applications when they misbehave in the field.

The honest comparison

Basic Android knowledge, and what this course adds to it.

This is not a comparison with other courses. It is a comparison between where the recommended prerequisite leaves you - basic knowledge of Android Development - and what this course covers on top of it. Both columns describe knowledge, not products.

Area
After this course
With basic Android development knowledge
Android OS architectureLayers and components
The full stack mapped, layer by layer
Usually the SDK surface only
Linux kernel & Android RuntimeWhat runs beneath the app
Kernel role, ART and the platform libraries
Rarely covered in app-level work
Application frameworkComponents and system services
Framework components, app architecture, system services
Used without a map of what is underneath
Media playbackWhich player, and why
MediaPlayer, ExoPlayer, A/V sync, MediaSession
Typically one player, copied from a sample
Media captureCamera and recording
Camera2 API and MediaRecorder, with customization
Often delegated to an intent
Advanced multimediaBeyond play and record
Media effects, transcoding, editing, rich notifications
Outside the scope of the basics
Optimization & debuggingMaking it hold up
Battery conservation, adaptive streaming, codecs, debugging
Addressed only when something breaks
07 Where these skills take you

Six directions this course opens up.

Possible directions for the skills in this course. These are areas of work, not guaranteed job outcomes.

Build

Android application development

Writing Android apps with a working model of the layers underneath them - framework components, system services and the runtime.

Media

Multimedia application development

Applications built around media: capture with Camera2 and MediaRecorder, playback, effects, transcoding and editing.

Engineer

Mobile media engineering

Working closer to the media stack itself - formats, codecs, synchronisation and the frameworks that move media through the system.

Tune

Android performance optimization

Efficient playback, battery conservation and debugging - the work that decides whether a media feature is usable in the field.

Stream

Media playback and streaming

Adaptive streaming and content delivery optimization for applications that play media over a network.

Architect

Architecture-focused Android work

Application architecture decisions informed by how Android itself is structured, from the kernel up to the application layer.

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4 modules · 34 lessons · 10 readings · 12 assignments · free PDF

08 FAQ

Common questions

Everything learners ask before enrolling, answered from the Coursera course page.

About the course

It is an in-depth exploration of Android's architectural components and multimedia frameworks. You cover the Android operating system's layers and components, the role of the Linux kernel, Android Runtime and the libraries, the application framework, application architecture and key system services - then media playback and capture, MediaPlayer, ExoPlayer, MediaSession, the Camera2 API, MediaRecorder, media effects, transcoding and editing, rich media notifications, multimedia optimization, battery conservation, adaptive streaming, media formats and codecs, debugging, Android's Neural Networks API and future trends in Android multimedia.

Software developers, mobile app enthusiasts, tech professionals interested in Android's inner workings, and learners passionate about Android development. It is an intermediate course, so it assumes you already have basic Android-development knowledge rather than starting from zero.

The recommended experience is basic knowledge of Android Development. Coursera's page notes that prior Android-development knowledge can be beneficial, while basic programming concepts would be helpful. The course is listed at intermediate level.

What each module covers

Module 1, Android Architecture Overview, covers the Android OS as layers and components, the role of the Linux kernel, Android Runtime (ART) and the libraries, then the Android framework components, a deep dive into Android application architecture, and the key system services and how they interact with the application layer. It runs to 10 videos, 3 readings, 3 assignments and 1 plugin, at about 3 hours.

Module 2, Introduction to Android Multimedia Framework, covers Android's multimedia capabilities, media playback and capture, multimedia data processing in Android, Android's MediaPlayer and ExoPlayer, synchronizing audio and video playback, and customizing playback using MediaSession. It runs to 9 videos, 2 readings and 3 assignments, at about 3 hours.

Module 3 covers the Camera2 API for advanced photography, video recording and customization with MediaRecorder, an introduction to media effects, media transcoding and editing, and rich media notifications in Android. It runs to 7 videos, 2 readings and 3 assignments, at about 3 hours.

Module 4 covers efficient media playback and battery conservation, adaptive streaming and content delivery optimization, handling various media formats and codecs, debugging multimedia applications, Android's Neural Networks API for multimedia, and future trends in the Android multimedia framework. It runs to 8 videos, 3 readings and 3 assignments, at about 3 hours.

Time, access and the certificate

Coursera's course metadata lists this course as 1 week at 10 hours a week, across 4 modules - that is the figure used throughout this page. Separately, Coursera's own FAQ estimates that the course takes approximately 15 hours to complete, including lectures, hands-on exercises and projects, and notes that the actual time can vary depending on your pace and prior experience. Both numbers come from the same course page; they are reported here as published rather than reconciled.

Yes. The course has a flexible schedule and you learn at your own pace. Deadlines on Coursera reset around your own timetable, so evenings and weekends work fine.

Access to lectures and assignments depends on the type of enrollment you choose on Coursera. If you take the course in audit mode, you may be able to view most course materials for free but not access graded assignments. Purchasing the Certificate experience, during or after your audit, gives you access to the graded assignments and to the certificate on completion.

You get access to all course materials, including the graded assignments, and on completion you earn a shareable certificate that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.

Coursera offers financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply using the financial aid link on the course page on Coursera; applications are reviewed by Coursera.

This is Board Infinity's own overview of the course. Enrollment, payment, video lessons, grading and the certificate all happen on Coursera, where the course is hosted.

Disclaimer. This course is an independent educational resource developed by Board Infinity and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially associated with Alphabet Inc. or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. It is not official preparation material of Alphabet Inc. All trademarks, service marks, and company names mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

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4 modules · 1 week at 10 hours a week · intermediate · shareable certificate

Android Architecture/Multimedia Framework Enroll